Concordia University Ann Arbor has approximately 1,000 students, with a student-faculty ratio of about 15 to 1. Concordia offers over 70 areas of study, graduate programs, a set of adult education programs, and a variety of study-abroad activities.

Contents

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.(January 2011)

On September 30, 1962, Lutherans from across Michigan gathered on the grounds of the former Earhart estate in Ann Arbor to install the cornerstone of a building that would soon become the center piece of a new college. The motto inscribed on the cornerstone, "That in All Things Christ Might Have Preeminence," set the tone and function for the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and the surrounding buildings that would embody the college. Soon after the dedication, construction began with the goal of opening the college the following fall. There were many who thought that it was not possible to complete the project in such a short time, however the goals were achieved.

On September 30, 1963, over 15,000 people gathered to dedicate the newly completed college. The ceremony, which included the college’s 236 students and 24 instructors, took place in the campus gymnasium, which served also as the chapel before the completion of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity in 1964.

The institution was originally established as Concordia Lutheran Junior College but underwent multiple name changes over time. The institution changed its name to Concordia College when it began offering four-year degree programs in 1976, and finally became Concordia University Ann Arbor in 2001.

The University commissioned architect Vincent G. Kling to design the chapel so that its spire would cast its shadow over each of the academic buildings, reminding students, faculty and staff of the college’s primary purpose.

In 1977, Concordia began performing the "Boars Head Festival", an annual Christmas celebration filled with song, music, and drama; much beloved by current students, alumni, and community members.

From 1993 to 1995, it was the home of Accordion Magazine, which has since been resurrected under the name Arbor Light Magazine.

Coupled with expanding academic programs and athletic offerings, enrollment reached an all-time high at Concordia University's Ann Arbor campus during the 2016-17 acaedmic year with a total of 1,054 students.[4][5] The 2016 freshman class of 325 new students marked the largest incoming class since 1976 when the university transitioned from a junior college to four-year institution.[5] CUAA enrollment has increased for three consecutive academic years from 2013 to 2016 in the traditional undergraduate, high school dual credit and graduate studies student populations, a 42 percent increase.[5]

CUAA athletic teams are known as the Cardinals. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC), while its football team competes in the Mideast League of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA). Men's sports include baseball (varsity and JV), basketball (varsity and JV), bowling, cheerleading, competitive dance, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, as well as track and field (in and outdoor). Women's sports include basketball (varsity and JV), bowling, cheerleading, competitive dance, cross country, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball (varsity and JV), tennis, track and field (in and outdoor), and volleyball.